Ron, what is interesting for me is that I need the reading glasses to read.. and I wear contacts to see far.. but when I tye I take my contacts out and tie without any aid. I only need the reading glasses to see close for reading. This is a new development in my seeing. A doctor told me that if I never needed reading glases a couple years ago while wearing contacts.. my eyes could be improving. I don't know ,I will see how this develops.

04-04-2001 03:31 PM

RonD

RE:Magnifying Lamps for Tying

Hello John! I've been waiting for spring to arrive like everyone else. I'll be around, I promise. I will probably miss the next UFT meeting, though.

The reading glasses are a good (and cheaper) alternative to the Opti-Visor. I have become a chronic reading glass user over the past two years or so but I still use the visor when I tie. Perhaps my reading glasses (1.25 or 1.5 power) are not strong enough but I prefer the magnification and depth of field with the visor for tying.

Ron

04-04-2001 10:06 AM

RayStachelek

RE:Magnifying Lamps for Tying

Juro-

Never had much luck with magnifying lamps. Always had difficulty with depth of field. Even though I could see the fly quite clearly, never knew how to manipulate my fingers. Takes getting use to.

The magnifying visors work great as noted, but I just use a pair of inexpensive magnified reading glasses.

04-03-2001 10:20 PM

striblue

RE:Magnifying Lamps for Tying

Hey Ron... where've you been. Did Juro and I put to much pressure on you at the last UFT meeting. I look forward to hearing from you more and fishing with you at North Monomoy. Take Care. John

04-03-2001 09:18 PM

RonD

RE:Magnifying Lamps for Tying

Juro,

Hi! This is Ron from Monomoy (finally!).

I would be totally lost tying trout flies without an Opti-Visor. It's basically a plastic headband with a hinged flap holding a lens. You can see it in Hunter's Fly Tyer's Catalog 2001 on page 33. I use the #3 lens which magnifies 1.5X. I have been tying 22's without too much trouble.

I've had mine since the mid 80's and have never found anything better. I would have brought mine to UFT to show you but I don't think I will be able to make the next meeting.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Ron

04-03-2001 08:52 PM

saltRon

RE:Magnifying Lamps for Tying

This problem seems to get to us all sooner or later even if we can see for miles the up close stuff gets to be a problem. I went originally to the magnifying lamp system but found all the problems as mentioned. Still use it from time to time.
I purchased what we willcall a binocular magnifier which fits like a head band. It will fit over glasses flips up, flips down for use. These are used mostly by jewelers. They are equiped with various grades of magnification.
Works for Me
saltRon

04-03-2001 03:21 PM

juro

Magnifying Lamps for Tying

Although I'm no youngster anymore I'm lukcy that I still have good eyesight. Despite this claim I had to purchase a magnifying lamp last year when tying trout flies. What a difference!

I opted for the $30 big clamp-on incandescent deal like they use in drafting shops. It does the trick but it's hot, heavy, doesn't stay in position well, and gets in the way.

I was wondering if anyone has some insight from experiences on this topic now that trout season is arriving in north america?